Device select system for multi-device electronic system

ABSTRACT

A device select system according to one embodiment includes an array of first electrical contacts adapted for coupling to a cable; an array of second electrical contacts adapted for coupling to an array of transducers, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to magnetic storage system components, and more particularly, this invention relates to a device select system for selecting devices on a magnetic head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Business, science and entertainment applications depend upon computers to process and record data, often with large volumes of the data being stored or transferred to nonvolatile storage media, such as magnetic discs, magnetic tape cartridges, optical disk cartridges, floppy diskettes, or optical diskettes. Typically magnetic tape is the most economical means of storing or archiving the data. Storage technology is continually pushed to increase storage capacity and storage reliability. Improvement in data storage densities in magnetic storage media, for example, has resulted from improved medium materials, improved error correction techniques and decreased areal bit sizes. The data capacity of half-inch magnetic tape, for example, is now measured in hundreds of gigabytes on 512 or more data tracks.

The improvement in magnetic medium data storage capacity arises in large part from improvements in tile magnetic head assembly used for reading and writing data on the magnetic storage medium. A major improvement in transducer technology arrived with the magnetoresistive (MR) sensor originally developed by the IBM® Corporation. Later sensors using tile GMR effect were developed. AMR and GMR sensors transduce magnetic field changes to resistance changes, which are processed to provide digital signals. Data storage density can be increased because AMR and GMR sensors offer signal levels higher than those available from conventional inductive read heads for a given read sensor width and so enable smaller reader widths and thus more tracks per inch. Moreover, the sensor output signal depends only on the instantaneous magnetic field intensity in the storage medium and is independent of the magnetic field time-rate-of-change arising from relative sensor/medium velocity. In operation the magnetic storage medium, such as tape or a magnetic disk surface, is passed over the magnetic read/write (R/W) head assembly for reading data therefrom and writing data thereto.

However, increased storage capacity does not come without cost. For instance, as the number of R/W elements on a given head increases, so too must the number of electrical connections to the head. This means that the cable(s) connecting the head to the controller must accommodate the increased number of connections. One problem that arises is that cables tend to get more complex and costly as the number of devices in the head and therefore the number of leads in the cable, increases. Further, cables tend to get wider, and thus stiffer and more massive as the number of leads increases, which in turn can negatively affect actuator bandwidth and make cable routing for freedom of motion more difficult. Generally, shrinking the dimensions of the leads in the cable is not all option, as DC resistance and AC impedance would also change undesirably.

Current technology fails to address tape head cabling problems that will be posed by bourgeoning I/O needs for future multi-track, multi-format or multi-function tape heads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device select system according to one embodiment includes an array of first electrical contacts adapted for coupling to a cable; an array of second electrical contacts adapted for coupling to an array of transducers, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of take second electrical contacts associated therewith.

A magnetic data system according to one embodiment includes a magnetic head; a device select system coupled to the magnetic head, the device select system comprising: a first portion having an array of first electrical contacts; a second portion having an array of second electrical contacts, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, the second portion being coupled to the magnetic head, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith. A cable is electrically coupled to the first portion of the device select system. A drive mechanism is also present for passing a magnetic recording medium over the head. A controller electrically coupled to the cable.

A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes an array of first electrical contacts adapted for operative coupling to a cable; a plurality of transducers, there beings more transducers than first electrical contacts, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the transducers; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the transducers associated therewith.

A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a substrate; an array of first electrical contacts formed on the substrate; a plurality of transducers formed above the substrate, there being more transducers than first electrical contacts, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the transducers; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the transducers associated therewith.

Any of these embodiments may be implemented in a tape drive system, which may include a magnetic head, a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the magnetic head, and a controller electrically coupled to the magnetic head.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should be made to the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a device select system according to one general embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a device select system implemented in a single structure and adapted for coupling to a cable and a magnetic head, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a device select system implemented in a single structure and adapted for coupling to a cable and a magnetic head, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a side view of a device select system implemented in a single structure and adapted for coupling to a cable and a magnetic head, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a side view of a device select system implemented in a single structure and adapted for coupling to a cable and a magnetic head, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a side view of a device select system implemented in a single structure and adapted for coupling to a cable and a magnetic head, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2F is an exploded view of a device select system implemented in a single structure and adapted for coupling between a cable and a magnetic head, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2G is a side view taken from Line 2G of FIG. 2F.

FIG. 2H is a side view taken from Line 2H of FIG. 2F.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view illustrating a magnetic head with an integral device select system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a traditional flat-lapped magnetic tape head.

FIG. 4A is a tape bearing surface view taken from Line 4A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4B is a detailed view taken from Circle 4B of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a tape bearing surface view of a head including multiple format read/write elements on different modules.

FIG. 6 is a tape bearing surface view of a head including multiple format read/write element arrays on the same module.

FIG. 7 is a tape bearing surface view of a tape head including two arrays of elements on the same module, each array being adapted for a different format.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view taken from Circle 8 of FIG. 7 showing two arrays of elements according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a tape bearing surface of a tape head showing two arrays of elements spaced apart laterally.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a tape bearing surface of a tape head showing three arrays of elements, each for a different format.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of a tape bearing surface of a tape bead showing three arrays of elements, where one of the arrays is for a first format and two of the arrays are for a second format.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of a tape bearing surface of a tape head showing two arrays of elements, where both of the arrays are for a same format.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a tape head having two modules according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a tape head having three modules according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a tape drive system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following description is the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the present invention and is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination on with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

In the drawings, like and equivalent elements are numbered the same throughout the various figures.

The embodiments described below disclose a new device select system that allows selective creation of electrical connections between electrical contacts for such things as selecting particular groups of transducers and not others. The system may be fabricated as a standalone unit, or integrated into an intermediate or final device. In particularly preferred approaches directed to tape-based data storage systems, the device select system contains circuitry that enables reader (and/or writer) transducer device selection, thereby reducing the number of leads in the cable. The only other known solution is a complex, stiffer cable, which suffers from the drawbacks mentioned above and is more costly. Alternatively, shrinking lead widths and spacing can negatively impact cable resistance and impedance.

While much of the present description is presented in terms of implementation in a tape-based data storage system for clarity and to place the invention in a context, it should be kept in mind that the general concepts presented herein have broad applicability to electronic devices of other types.

FIG. 1 illustrates a device select system 10 according to one general embodiment. As shown, the system 10 includes an array of first electrical contacts 12 adapted for coupling to a cable. The first electrical contacts 12 may be pads present on the surface of the structure, apertures adapted to receive pins, pins adapted for insertion in apertures, pads or other contact mechanism located under subsequently-formed layers, etc.

An array of second electrical contacts 14 is also present and is adapted for coupling to devices such as transducers of a magnetic head. More second electrical contacts 14 are present than first electrical contacts. Each of them first electrical contacts 12 is associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts 14. It follows that each of the first electrical contacts 12 may be associated with three, four, five or more second electrical contacts 14. The second electrical contacts 14 may be pads present on the surface of the structure, apertures adapted to receive pins, pins adapted for insertion in apertures, pads or other contact mechanism located under subsequently-formed layers, etc.

A select mechanism 16 selectively places each of the first electrical contacts 12 in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts 14 associated therewith.

In one embodiment, the select mechanism 16 includes an array of switches S₁, S₂, the array being for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts 12 in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts 14 associated therewith. To control tire select mechanism 16, one or more third electrical contracts 18 may be in electrical communication with the select mechanism 16 for passing control signals thereto.

The switches S₁, S₂, may simply be transistors, such as field effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, or any of the many types of semiconductor gates. More elaborate switching mechanisms comprised, for example, of gate arrays known in the art may also be employed.

In one approach, the first and second electrical contacts and select mechanism of the device select system are formed in a common structure.

Referring to FIG. 2A, one particularly preferred embodiment designed for coupling to a tape head includes a semiconductor chip 20, a first potion 22 of which may be coupled to a tape head cable 26 and a second portion 24 of which may be coupled to a magnetic tape head 28.

The first portion 22 has an array of first electrical contacts 12 that cooperate with electrical contacts or exposed conductors on the cable 26 when coupled thereto. The electrical contacts or exposed conductors of the cable 26 may be attached to the chip 20 via any suitable bonding method known in the art. Preferred approaches use ultrasonic bonding methods or anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

The second portion 24 has an array of second electrical contacts 14, there being more second electrical contacts 14 than first electrical contacts 12. Each of the first electrical contacts 12 is associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts 14.

The magnetic head 28 has contacts corresponding to the second electrical contacts 14 on the chip 20, the head contacts typically being coupled to reader (and/or writer) transducers on the head 28. The second electrical contacts 14 of the chip 20 may be coupled to the electrical contacts on the magnetic bead 28 via wires 50 using any, suitable bonding method known in the art. Preferred approaches use ultrasonic or thermocompression bonding methods.

In a preferred implementation, the head 28 is bonded to the edge of the chip 20 using any known method, such as by application of an adhesive 52.

The arrangement of the electrical contacts 12, 14 on the various portions is not critical, and may vary depending on the cable and/or head design.

FIG. 2B depicts a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, a bridge cable 56, sometimes called a coupon, is used to create the coupling between the second electrical contacts 14 on the chip 20 to the electrical contacts of the bead 28.

The chip 20 includes the circuitry of the select mechanism that enables reader (and/or writer) transducer device selection, thereby reducing the number of required leads in the connecting cable 26. Preferably, the cable 26 has the only the leads needed to connect to one bank of reader (and/or writer) transducer devices on the head 28. For the conductive path to reader devices, the closed switch resistance is preferably small compared to the device resistance, which is typically 50-100 ohms. The open switch resistance is preferably >10 Kohm. Switching time is not typically a critical factor. The lines typically carry up to 15 mA DC or smaller. The signal is AC modulation of the DC bias voltage and has a bandwidth of approximately 10-50 MHz. For writer devices, the closed switch resistance is again preferably small compared to the DC coil resistance of the writer coil, which is typically 5-20 ohms. The writer currents are typically 10-50 milliamperes and the write frequency is typically in the range of 100-300 MHz, or higher.

FIG. 2C illustrates another embodiment in which the chip 20 is positioned in a recess formed in a beam 58 supporting the head 28. The electrical connections between the chip 20, cable 26, and head 28 may be similar to those set forth above.

FIG. 2D illustrates yet another embodiment in which the second electrical contacts 14 of the chip 20 cooperate directly with the electrical contacts on the head 28. The electrical contacts or exposed conductors of the cable 26 bay be attached to the first contacts 12 of the chip 20, and the contacts of the head 28 may be connected to the second electrical contacts 14 of the chip 20, via any suitable bonding method known in the art. Preferred approaches use ultrasonic bonding methods or anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

FIG. 2E illustrates yet another embodiment in which the first and second electrical contacts 12, 14 of chip 20 are positioned on different surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 2F, of the embodiment designed for coupling to a tape head includes a semiconductor chip 20, a first surface 22 of which may be coupled to a tape head cable 26 and a second surface 24 of which may be coupled to a magnetic tape head 28.

The first surface 22 has an array of first electrical contacts 12 that cooperate with electrical contacts on the cable 26 when coupled thereto. The cable 26 may be attached to the chip 20 via any suitable bonding method known in the art. Preferred approaches use anisotropic conductive film (ACF) or ultrasonic methods.

The second surface 24 has an array of second electrical contacts 14, there being more second electrical contacts 14 than first electrical contacts 12. Each of the first electrical contacts 12 is associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts 14. The second surface 24 may be coupled to the magnetic head 28, the magnetic head 28 having contacts corresponding to the second electrical contacts 14 on the chip 20, the head contacts typically being coupled to reader (and/or writer) transducers on the head 28. In a preferred implementation, the head 28 is bonded to the edge of the chip 20. The gold plate pads of the chip 20 and head 28 may be connected via stitch bonding.

The arrangement of the electrical contacts 12, 14 on the various surfaces is not critical, and may vary depending on the cable and/or head design. FIG. 2G illustrates how a first surface 22 may be configured. FIG. 2H illustrates one illustrative embodiment in which the second electrical contacts 14 for one set of devices are in one group, and the second electrical contacts 14 for a second set of devices are in another group.

Note that additional contacts may be present on either surface for such things as shared servo elements, control lines, etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 2G, one or more third electrical contacts 30 may be present on the first surface, and being in electrical communication with the select mechanism, allow passing of control signals thereto. The various additional contacts may include direct connections (with no select capability), selectable connections, and combinations thereof.

In another approach, the device select system may be integral to a larger system having the devices to be switched. As an example, FIG. 3 illustrates a magnetic head 40 with an integral device select system according to one embodiment. As shown, the head 40 includes an array of first electrical contacts 12 adapted for operative coupling to a cable. A plurality of reader and/or write transducers 42 are present on the head 40 (one shown) for reading or writing to the tape 108, there being more transducers 42 than first electrical contacts 12. Preferably, each of the first electrical contacts 12 is associated with at least two of the transducers 42. Again, additional electrical contacts 30 may be present for such things as servo reading, control of the select mechanism, etc. Further, additional transducers may be present, such as shared servo readers, etc.

The select mechanism 44 selectively places each of the first electrical contacts 12 in electrical communication with one of the transducers 42 associated therewith. The select mechanism may be implemented using any suitable fabrication technique including thin film processing, printed circuit techniques etc.

In a preferred approach, the select mechanism 44 includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit having a plurality of gates that perform the switching. The CMOS circuit may be formed above a substrate 46. Where the substrate 46 is a silicon wafer, for example, conductive vias 48 from the cable-side surface to the CMOS circuit may be formed by the silicon anisotropic etching process that is well known. The first electrical contacts 12 may include pads formed above the vias.

The transducers 42 may be formed above the substrate 46 and the layer housing the select mechanism 44 using traditional silicon insulator processes.

The following description describes several environments in which various embodiments of the present invention may be implemented or integrated.

FIG. 4 illustrates a traditional flat-lapped bi-directional, two-module magnetic tape head 100, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the head includes a pair of bases 102, each equipped with a module 104. The bases are typically “U-beams” that are adhesively coupled together. Each module 104 includes a substrate 104A and a closure 104B with readers and writers 106 situated therebetween. In use, a tape 108 is moved over the modules 104 along a tape bearing surface 109 in the manner shown for reading and writing data on the tape 108 using the readers and writers 106. Conventionally, a partial vacuum is formed between the tape 108 and the tape bearing surface 109 for maintaining the tape 108 in close proximity with the readers and writers 106.

FIG. 4A illustrates the tape bearing surface 109 of one of the modules 104. The tape 108 its shown in dashed lines. The module is long enough to be able to support the tape as the head steps between data tracks.

As the tape 108 includes four data bands (Band 0-3) that are defined between servo tracks 202. Each data band may include a number of data tracks, for example 96 data tracks (not shown). During read/write operations, the elements 106 are positioned within one of the data bands. Outer readers, sometimes called servo readers, read the servo tracks 202. The servo signals are in turn used to keep the elements 106 aligned with a particular track during the read/write operations. Typically, a coarse positioner (worn gear, etc.) places the head generally adjacent a given data track, then a fine positioner (voice coil, etc.) keeps the heads aligned using the servo tracks.

FIG. 4B depicts a plurality of read/write elements 106 formed in a gap 208 on the module 104 of FIG. 4A. As shown, the array of elements 106 includes, for example, sixteen writers 209, sixteen readers 210, and two servo readers 212. As noted by considering FIGS. 4 and 4A-B together, each module 104 will include a complementary set of elements 106.

As mentioned above with reference to FIG. 4, a typical tape head includes two modules, each module having an array of data elements thereon for reading and/or writing data in a particular data format. The present invention may be implemented in the context of a two module head capable of reading and/or writing in two different data formats. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the embodiments herein can also be expanded to heads having a single module (where, for example the single module may be formed on a single substrate) and heads having more than two modules. The present invention may also be implemented in the context of a head where modes such as the ability to read and/or write are selectively enabled.

The device select system is particularly useful with multi-format heads. Some illustrative multi-format heads are presented below. The device select system allows selection of the various transducer arrays without requiring cabling for each individual transducer. The device select system may thus be used for multi-format arrays in which the multiple formats are separated into different modules built on multiple planes on the same module, built using a scheme of interleaving and sharing and/or side by side.

FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-format head 300. As shown, the head 300 includes two sets of modules, an outer pair of modules 302A, 302B, and an inner pair of modules 303A, 303B aligned in a direction parallel to the direction of tape travel relative to each other. The outer pair of modules 302A, 302B each has an array of complementary elements 304A, 304B arranged according to a first format, while the inner pair of modules 303A, 303B each has an array of complementary elements 306A, 306B arranged for a second format different than the first data format. In both pairs, the complementary elements (304A with 304B, 306A with 306B) are displaced from each other in the direction of tape travel. When media in the first format is presented to the system, the array of elements 304A, 304B in the outer pair of modules 302A, 302B are operated. When media in the second format is presented to the system, the array of elements 306A, 306B in the inner pair of modules 303A, 303B are operated.

In read-while-write operation in the first format for example, the readers on the trailing module 302B read the data that was just written by the leading module 302A so that the system can verify that the data was written correctly. If the data is not written correctly, the system recognizes the error and rewrites the data.

Another multi-format head 400 is shown in FIG. 6. This tape head 400 is composed of Read-Read-Write (R-R-W) modules. Tape head 400 includes merged primary data format read/write elements 404A, 404B and secondary data format read elements 406A, 406B on each module 402A, 402B. In this instance, head 400 is capable of reading a secondary format corresponding to secondary format read elements 406A, 406B. Head 400 is further capable of both reading and writing with the primary format corresponding to primary read/write elements 404A, 404B.

With continued reference to FIG. 6A, the primary and secondary elements 404A, 404B, 406A, 406B are aligned parallel to the direction of tape travel, relative to each other. Typically, each row of elements is fabricated in sequential fabrication sequences. For example, elements 404A, 404B may be formed first. Then the secondary elements 406A, 406B are fabricated above the primary elements 404A, 404B.

FIG. 6B depicts an alternate embodiment 450 with elements of the reduced span array (new format) 404A interleaved with, and possibly sharing, elements 404B of the legacy array (old format).

FIG. 7 illustrates a tape bearing, surface view of a module 500 having a first array 502 of elements associated with a first data format, and a second array 504 of elements associated with a second data format, where the first and second data formats are different. Again, the elements can include readers, writers, or both, and typically at least two modules are present to provide read-while-write capability.

The tape 510 is shown in dashed lines. While it is not typical to write data in two different formats on the same tape, the present embodiment would enable this feature, as described below. To illustrate different formats, FIG. 7 shows data in the first and second formats overlapping. This is for illustration purposes, and one skilled in the an will appreciate that the data bands in the two formats would not typically be concurrently present on the same area of the tape. Data in the first format is associated with servo tracks 512 and data bands (Band 0-3). Data in the second format is associated with servo tracks 512 and 514. The data bands 516 in the second format are significantly smaller and so are not individually identified alphanumerically. However, a representative data band 516 is shown in FIG. 7 for illustrative purposes.

The second data format may be a new generation relative to the first data format. The first and second data format may also be a formats used by competing vendors, used in different standards, etc. Typically, the differences between formats will include one or more of differing servo band locations, differing written track width, differing track density per data hand or tape width, differing track centerline-to-centerline spacing, differing element centerline-to-centerline spacing, etc. Accordingly, the arrays will have servo reader position, element spacing, element width, etc. that are designed to function in the format with which associated. Another embodiment includes two arrays that each use different read and/or write gaps to allow reading and/or writing in different data densities.

In one embodiment, the second format is a scaled-down version of the first format, especially in feature size. Accordingly, the second array 504 would then be a scaled-down version of the first array 502. For example, the second array 504 may have the same number of data tracks per band, but is scaled down from the first array 502, for example by a factor of about 5. In other words, the second array 504 is about 20% the width of the first array 502. Thus, the format characteristics are also scaled down. For example, the track density on the tape should increase by approximately 5× in the second format as compared to the first format. If the linear data density also doubles, the tape capacity in the second format will be 10× the first format.

Furthermore, the advanced format data organization, e.g. track layout, is not necessarily in any way coupled to the legacy format. Coupling as by forcing a sharing of elements, as depicted in FIG. 6B, may not be desirable as it may force compromised future areal density, or degraded head performance.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the first and second arrays 502, 504 are formed in the same gap on the module 500 and are generally aligned laterally adjacent to each other in a direction transverse to the direction of media travel.

In operation, the tape drive system or host system can identify the format of the servo pattern on the tape and/or the format of the data on the tape using one of several techniques. One way to determine the format(s) is by reading a cartridge memory chip in the tape cartridge that identifies the format. Another way to identify the format is by reading a small portion of the data bands and matching, for example, the servo tracks to a look up table (LUT). Note that all arrays may be active at this time, or the system may sequentially operate the arrays. In other embodiments, the user may indicate which format is used on the tape. Once the format is identified, the controller host, or user selects the proper array for reading and writing. The system energizes the array associated with the identified format, such as by energizing the leads coupled to the desired array. Now active, the desired array is aligned with one of the data bands in a standard way, e.g., by servoing, and the tape is passed over the head for reading/writing. Preferably, either one array or the other is energized at a time during, standard read/write operations.

In one embodiment, the elements for both arrays 502, 504 are built simultaneously during thin film buildup. For instance, consider elements in a “piggy back” configuration. This type of element typically includes a reader formed on a substrate, with a writer formed thereon. The reader and writer may be positioned so that one of the reader shields also functions as a component of one of the writer poles. During construction of a multi-format piggyback head, the readers of the first array 502 are formed concurrently with the readers of the second array 504. Then the writers of the first array 502 are formed concurrently with the writers of the second array 504. The readers of the first and second arrays 502, 504 are aligned along a line transverse to the direction of media travel, and thus the writers of both arrays are also aligned. Likewise, for an interleaved head, the readers for both arrays 502, 504 can all be formed during a single processing sequence, and the writers can be formed in another processing sequence.

The arrays can be slightly offset in a vertical direction for design considerations. For example, the upper shields for readers in the first array may be formed concurrently with the lower shields for readers in the second array. Then the readers in the second array are completed in subsequent steps. Thus, in some embodiments, the elements are formed concurrently in the same processing sequences though only some of the processing steps affect both arrays 502, 504

In further embodiments, the arrays can be formed by independent processing sequences. For example, one array can be completed prior to forming the other array. The arrays may be aligned in a direction transverse to the direction of tape motion, or can be displaced transverse to the direction of tape travel and offset in a direction parallel to the direction of tape travel.

Further, each array can be formed on an individual module, where the arrays in each format are displaced transverse to the direction of tape travel.

Forming the various arrays concurrently reduces process steps over the contemplated methods described above, such as forming elements in tandem parallel to the tape travel direction or even placing R/W arrays for different formats on different modules. One skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages achieved by processing all of the elements concurrently including lower cost, faster production time, reduced chance of error, etc. Write and read transducer magnetic gaps may be independently optimized for each format.

Because the arrays 502, 504 of elements are adjacent each other laterally, the width of the head may need to be increased slightly to ensure that the tape bearing surface support the entire tape at all possible positions. However, the width of the head does not necessarily need to increase.

One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein two arrays 502, 504 are formed on a module 500. As shown, the elements 602 of the first array 502 and the elements 604 of the second array 504 are positioned generally laterally adjacent each other. In some embodiments, including this one, the first and second arrays 502, 504 can share one of the servo readers 606. However, it may be advantageous to space the second array 504 laterally from the first array 502, as shown in FIG. 9.

One advantage of spacing the arrays 502, 504 apart is that, because portions of the tape near or at the edges of the tape may tend to induce more wear on the head than other parts of the tape, the area of greatest wear may then be between the arrays (when reading outer data bands). This is particularly so with older tapes that tend to be rougher and thicker, and produce more wear than newer tapes, as newer tapes are designed to reduce wear. The consequence of the uneven wear pattern is that when reading and writing the outer band of a tape in the first format with the first array 502, the edge of the tape might cause wear adjacent to the first array 502, and thus on the second array 504. By having the arrays spaced apart sightly wear from the edge portions of the tape will occur between the arrays, e.g., in area 702.

It is worth noting that the same uneven wear patterns might occur when reading and writing using the second array 504, i.e., the edge portions of the tape will cause more wear adjacent the second array 504, and as such, the wear will likely occur on the first array 502. However, assuming the second array 504 is for a format that is more modern than the format of the first array 502, the tape will likely be a newer tape that is smoother. Further, the first array 502, probably having larger elements and reading a lower linear density, may be more tolerant to wear. Furthermore, all elements may be provided with a wear resistant coating such as diamond-like carbon.

Additional embodiments have more than two arrays of elements aligned on a single modulate, each array associated with a different format. FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment where three arrays 502, 504, 802 of elements are present. Again the arrays may share servo elements or not.

If head width is a critical issue, and assuming that the second array 504 is not was wide as the first array 502 in a direction transverse to the array of elements, a second array 504 and a substantially identical third array 902 can be formed, one on either side of the first array 502. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. For data tracks in the second format and positioned on the left side of the tape, the third array 902 (on the left) will read and write data track in the second format on the left side of the tape. For data tracks in the second format and on the right side of the tape, the second array 504 (on the right) will read and write. In this way, the head does not need to have a width that is more than would be required to read or write using the first array 502. Rather, one or both of the second array 504 and the third array 902 will be over data tracks in the second format at any point where the first array 502 is over the tape, thereby reducing the lateral range of motion required for the head to access all data tracks on the tape. Thus, for example, the head need not be wide enough to allow the first array 502 to extend beyond the left edge of the tape to allow the second array 504 to read data along the left tape edge. Rather, the data along the left tape edge can be read by the third array 902. Additionally, fabricating both the second and third arrays 504, 902 may enable using, only one chip image for fabricating both left and right modules in a two module head rather than requiring individual chip images or wafers for left and right modules.

FIG. 12 illustrates a head having two identical arrays 904 that are spaced apart. This embodiment addresses the issue of head width constraints, as the outer arrays do in the embodiment of FIG. 11. Thus, the head of FIG. 12 operates in a substantially similar manner as the head of FIG. 11 when reading or writing in the new format.

In another mode of use, multiple formats can be written to the same tape. Because the arrays are aligned transverse to the tape travel direction data in each format can be simultaneously written along the tape. This feature would allow, for instance, data to be written in two parallel tracks on the same tape and sent to users having a tape drive capable of reading only one of the formats. Because many blank tapes are sold with servo information already written thereto, some embodiments may require tapes that have servo information for both formats thereon. Other embodiments may write servo information simultaneously with the data, and servo writers would be present in each array. Yet other embodiments may allow writing of the new format onto an adjacent data band. For example, if the tape has four data bands, the bands can be grouped into two pairs. Using the servo track between the pair of bands to align the arrays over each band, one format can be written to one band and another format to the other band. The latter may not be optimal for the newer format, which might requite an improved servo data band.

As mentioned above, one way to build the head is to have two modules, in a configuration similar to existing heads, e.g., the head of FIG. 4. One such embodiment, shown in FIG. 13, includes a flat-lapped bi-directional, two-module magnetic tape head 1000. As shown, the head includes a pair of bases 1002, each equipped with a module 1004. The bases may be conventional U-beams that are adhesively coupled together. Each module 1004 includes a substrate 1004A and a closure 1004B with multiple arrays 502, 504 situated therebetween. Cables 1010 connect the elements to a controller. The cables 1010 are shown as split into leads for the two formats, but can be joined, fused, intermixed, overlayed, etc. In use, a tape 1008 is moved over the modules 1004 along the tape bearing surfaces 1009 thereof for reading and writing data on the tape 1008. Depending on the format of the data or servo on the tape, the array 502 or 504 on each module corresponding to that format is activated and used to read and/or write to the tape.

Another way to build the head is to have the functions of reading and writing performed on different modules. As shown in the write-read-write (W-R-W) head 1100 of FIG. 14, outer writing modules 1102, 1104 flank a single reading module 1106. As the names imply, the outer modules 1102, 1104 include two or more arrays of writers in a configuration, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8-12. The reading module 1106 includes two or more arrays of readers. The modules 1102, 1104, 1106 are offset and set in relationship with each other such that internal wrap angles are defined between the modules 1102, 1104, 1106. Cables 1109 connect the elements to a controller. The cables 1109 are shown as split into leads for the two formats, but can be joined, fused, intermixed, overlayed, etc.

In this embodiment, the tape bearing surfaces of the modules lie oil parallel planes, but are offset in a direction perpendicular to the planes. When the tape 1108 moves across the head 1100 as shown, air is skived from below the tape 1110 by a skiving edge 1110 of the first outer writing module 1102, and instead of the tape 1108 lifting from the tape bearing surface 1112 of the first outer module 1102 (as intuitively it should), the reduced air pressure in the area between the tape 1108 and the tape bearing surface 1112 allow atmospheric pressure to urge the tape towards the tape bearing surface 1112. A trailing end 1120 of the outer writing module 1102 (the end from which the tape leaves the outer writing module 1102) is the reference point which defines the wrap angle α₀ over the tape bearing surface of the inner reading module 1106. The same is true of the other outer writing module 1104 when the tape travel direction is reversed.

Variations an the head 1100 of FIG. 14 include a R-W-R head, a R-R-W head, a W-W-R head, etc. For example, in a R-W-R head, the outer modules 1102, 1104 perform reading while the middle module 1106 performs writing. In a R-R-W head, the leading module 1102 and middle module 1106 perform reading while the trailing module 1104 performs writing. In a W-W-R head, the leading module 1102 and middle module 1106 performs writing while the trailing module 1104 performs reading. Again, the leading and trailing modules 1102, 1104 may operate concurrently with each other and the middle module 1106, may operate individually, or may operate in combinations of two modules.

An advantage of the multiple module head is that each module has no more wiring leads than a module in a two module head having both read and write elements. For instance, assume a legacy format head has 16 readers and 16 writers per module. Adding an array of second format elements would add 32 more elements, or 64 more wires. However, if each module has only readers or writers, albeit in two formats, the number of wires per module is the same as the legacy read/write head. Accordingly, existing cabling can be used, the number of wires per head is minimized, etc.

Another advantage is that air is entrained between the tape and the trailing outer module (1104 in FIG. 14), thereby reducing wear.

The three module design is also preferred, as the total gap thicknesses and build complexity are minimized, and head yield is optimized.

Compatible hardware is not limited to flat profile heads; heads having rounded and other geometric tape bearing surfaces are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Likewise, other types of multi-format heads may include heads having elements of the reduced span array (new format) interleaved with, and possibly sharing, elements of the legacy array (old format).

In any of the embodiments described herein, the heads can be fabricated in conventional ways. To reduce cost and complexity, one lead for an element of the first array may be commoned with one lead for an element of the second array (and so on for additional arrays) to minimize head writing, an on-going goal in head design.

A data storage system as described herein may include one or more of the following components. A device for interfacing with a data medium is present in some embodiments. Examples of such an interface device include a drive, socket, bay, etc. that interfaces with a data medium. For example, in a tape-based data storage system, a drive is used to read and write to tape, the drive including a bay for a tape cartridge. The data storage system may include a plurality of interface devices.

FIG. 15 illustrates a simplified tape drive 1200 which may be employed in the context of the present invention. While one specific implementation of a tape drive 1200 is shown in FIG. 15, it should be noted that the embodiments of the previous figures may be implemented in the context of any type of tape drive system.

As shown, a tape supply cartridge 1220 and a take-up reel 1221 are provided to support a tape 1222. These may form part of a removable cassette and are not necessarily part of the system. Guides 1225 guide the tape 1222 across a preferably bidirectional tape bead 1226, of the type disclosed herein. An actuator 1232 controls position of the head 1226 relative to the tape 1222. The tape head 1226 is in turn coupled to a controller assembly 1228 via an MR connector cable 1230. The controller 1228, in turn, controls head functions such as servo following, write bursts, read functions, etc. The controller 1228 runs under the control of computer instructions typically in firmware or software run locally or on a host system.

A tape drive, such as that illustrated in FIG. 15, includes drive motor(s) to drive the tape supply cartridge 1220 and the take-up reel 1221 to move the tape 1222 linearly over the head 1226. The tape drive also includes a read/write channel to transmit data to the head 1226 to be recorded on the tape 1222 and to receive data read by the head 1226 from the tape 1222. An interface is also provided for communication between the tape drive and a host (integral or external) to send and receive the data and for controlling the operation of the tape drive and communicating the status of the tape drive to the host, all as will be understood by those of skill in the art. Examples of a host system include a computer, server, handheld device, etc. in communication with the interface device.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A device select system, comprising: an array of first electrical contacts adapted for coupling, to a cable; an array of second electrical contacts adapted for coupling to an array of transducers, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.
 2. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical contacts and select mechanism are formed in a common structure.
 3. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the select mechanism includes an array of switches, the array being for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.
 4. A system as recited in claim 3, wherein the switches are semiconductor switches.
 5. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one third electrical contact being in electrical communication with the select mechanism for passing control signals thereto.
 6. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising an array of magnetic transducers coupled to the second electrical contacts.
 7. A magnetic data system, comprising: a magnetic head; a device select system coupled to the magnetic head, the device select system composing: a first portion having an array of first electrical contacts; a second portion having an array of second electrical contacts, there being more second electrical contacts than first electrical contacts, the second portion being coupled to the magnetic head, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the second electrical contacts; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith; a cable electrically coupled to the first portion of the device select system; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording medium over the head; and a controller electrically coupled to the cable.
 8. A system as recited in claim 7, wherein the first and second electrical contacts and select mechanism are formed in a common structure.
 9. A system as recited in claim 7, wherein the select mechanism includes an array of switches, the array being for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.
 10. A system as recited in claim 9, wherein the switches are semiconductor switches.
 11. A system as recited in claim 7, further comprising at least one third electrical contact on the first portion and being in electrical communication with the select mechanism for passing control signals thereto.
 12. A magnetic head comprising: an array of first electrical contacts adapted for operative coupling to a cable; a plurality of transducers, there being more transducers than first electrical contacts, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the transducers; and a select mechanism for selectively placing, each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the transducers associated therewith.
 13. A magnetic head as recited in claim 12, wherein the select mechanism includes an array of switches, the array being for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the second electrical contacts associated therewith.
 14. A magnetic head as recited in claim 13, wherein the switches are semiconductor switches.
 15. A magnetic head as recited in claim 12, further comprising at least one third electrical contact being in electrical communication with the select mechanism for passing control signals thereto.
 16. A magnetic head as recited in claim 12, further comprising a silicon-containing substrate, the first electrical contacts being coupled to the transducers by vias through the substrate.
 17. A magnetic head as recited in claim 16, wherein the transducers are formed above the substrate.
 18. A magnetic data system, comprising: a magnetic head as recited in claim 12; a cable electrically coupled to the magnetic head; a drive mechanism for passing a magnetic recording tape over the head; and a controller electrically coupled to the cable.
 19. A magnetic head, comprising: a substrate; an array of first electrical contacts formed on the substrate; a plurality of transducers formed above the substrate, there being more transducers than first electrical contacts, each of the first electrical contacts being associated with at least two of the transducers; and a select mechanism for selectively placing each of the first electrical contacts in electrical communication with one of the transducers associated therewith.
 20. A magnetic head as recited in claim 19, wherein the select mechanism is formed in a layer positioned between the substrate and the transducers. 